Washington County Extension

08/20/2026

Calling all private well owners! Did you know that maintaining the quality of well water is entirely the responsibility of the landowner? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions, please join us for a 1-hour learning session on private wells and how to keep your family safe. Tuesday, October 13th, from 6:00pm – 7:15 pm at the Washington County Extension office located at 2223 250th St., Washington, Iowa. Pre-registration is requested; to RSVP contact the Washington County Extension office by phone 319-653-4811 or email [email protected] or go to http://go.iastate.edu/FE4DNM.

08/20/2026

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/harvesting-and-storing-tree-fruit

Harvest apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries at the right maturity stage for the best quality. Proper storage extends fruit shelf life.

08/19/2026

It’s already the second half of August, and harvest will be here before we know it, followed by fall fieldwork and decisions—including fertilizer applications. With fertilizer prices remaining high and expected to stay elevated in the near future, we’re hosting several Fertilizer and Finance W...

08/19/2026

🌽 Check out the Fall Field Day at Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on September 10 to see ISU research in action:
✅ Cropping systems and nitrate loss trends
✅ Miscanthus as an alternative biomass crop
✅ Cover crop mixes for forage and soil health

Open to farmers, ag retailers, crop advisers, conservation professionals, and livestock producers. Continuing Education Units available!

Learn more 👉 https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/fall-field-day-be-held-iowa-state-university-southeast-research-farm-sept-10
Washington County Extension, ISU Extension and Outreach: Jefferson County, ISU SE Research and Demonstration Farm

08/19/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/late-season-hail-damage-how-salvage-situation

AMES, Iowa – This past weekend, a severe hailstorm ravaged parts of eastern Iowa, destroying what was expected to be a record-contending corn crop. Following any hail event, a call to your insurance agent and crop advisor is the first step. After insurance adjustments, next is: how do we best salv...

08/18/2026

Stay Safe, Take a Break! Project is back for 2026!

Help us show Washington County farmers a little appreciation this harvest season! 4-H County Council members will randomly deliver “Stay Safe, Take a Break” bags to farmers working in the fields this fall.

Your donation helps fill these bags with goodies and reminders to pause, refuel, and stay safe. This year's bag will include a full size fire extinguisher as we promote fire safety.

Support our farmers. Support farm safety. Support our community.

Donate before Sept. 15th and help us make this year's project a success!

https://go.iastate.edu/V9CD84

08/18/2026

AMES, Iowa – Farmers, ag retailers, crop advisors and conservation professionals can explore current Iowa State University research on cropping systems, nitrate loss, cover crops and a potential alternative biomass crop — miscanthus — at the upcoming Fall Field Day at the Southeast Research an...

08/17/2026

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/harvest-time-home-vegetable-garden

AMES, Iowa – As August progresses and gardens across Iowa reach their peak, home gardeners face an important task: harvesting vegetables at the right stage of maturity. Proper timing not only improves flavor and texture, but also encourages many crops to keep producing.

08/13/2026

Corn is in the mid to later reproductive stages. A lot of fields are now at R4 or the dough stage, and there are already some fields at the R5 or the dent stage. Read more on the corn reproductive stages. (Credit to this chart goes to Brian Lang, retired extension field agronomist)